Can my Hearing Aids be Used While I’m Wearing Glasses?

Hearing aids and glasses don’t appear to go too well with one another, but sometimes both are required. So what can you do to make them get along? If you are thinking about a behind-the-ear (BTE) device, this typical question is even more pertinent. Is it even possible to wear them both and still be comfortable? The answer is yes.

If you wear glasses, there are certain things to consider when buying hearing aids. Learn the secrets to wearing glasses and hearing aids at the same time.

Choosing The Hearing Aids Which Best Fit Your Needs

Even if you don’t wear glasses, there’s a lot to consider when picking out new hearing aids. Shape, style, and size are all personalizations that are available. You can even get them in stylish colors if you’re into that type of thing. The point is, the time of wearing hearing aids like your grandpa did is over.

Start the process by really understanding what kinds of hearing aids are out there. They divide into three basic categories:

In-the-ear (ITE) – As the name indicates, this style of hearing aid fits directly into the opening of the ear canal with nothing sitting behind the ear.

Behind-the-ear (BTE) – This is an older style of hearing aid, but today’s version of this technology is way more advanced. With this style, the main section of the device mounts directly behind the ear with clear tubing that connects to an earmold sitting in the opening of the ear canal. Open-fit models are pretty much the same setup but without the earmold.

In-the-canal (ITC) – This style is a lot like the ITE model but it sits deeper into the ear, making them virtually invisible.

ITE and ITC versions will allow people who wear glasses to avoid many drawbacks. You can compare the many features of a new hearing aid, but first, you need to choose a style.

Considering The Different Features

When buying, it’s the features that should be your primary concern not the shape of the hearing aid. Features are changing all of the time as hearing aid technology evolves. Watch for some of these common ones:

T-coil – This feature allows you to hear better while using a land-line phone. T-coil technology is useful when you are listening to people talk through a speaker like at church or on the radio.

Directional microphone – This helps pinpoint the sound you need to hear when you are in a noisy spot. For example, if someone is talking to you at a party, you will be able to hear their words clearly in spite of the noise around you.

Determining the best features to fit your lifestyle is the goal. Then, you can make a decision on the style of hearing aid.

Wearing BTE Hearing Aids With Glasses

Glasses and BTE hearing aids can be worn together. If you want them to be comfortable you need to wear both of these essential accessories the right way. Here are some tips:

Practice removing your glasses by pulling them forward with both hands instead of pulling them up with one. Removing them in this way won’t become a habit right away. When you forget to do this motion you will knock off your hearing aid and that will reinforce the practice.

Your hearing aid should be put in only after you put your glasses on. The placement of your glasses arm is more fixed than your hearing aid so it’s harder to adjust. Look in a mirror after positioning the hearing aid so you know it looks natural and isn’t hanging off your pinna, the outer part of the ear.

Before you make a purchase look closely at the size of the BTE. Even though it’s a little bit bulky, the standard version will still work with glasses. A newer style option is the mini BTE. Because the behind the ear part is smaller, you get enhanced comfort and a reduced amount of feedback. The only certain way to know which one will work best for you is to try them both.

ITE and ITC styles will be the only options for those people that can’t wear a BTE device with their glasses. For example, if you take off your glasses a lot, BTE devices will be a much greater burden. Children and people with really small ears will have difficulty with this combination, too. Most quality hearing aid retailers will give a trial period, so schedule an appointment to see what model is the right one for you. Trying the different styles is the only way you will know which style works best for your needs.